Greenway plan has ‘Electric Alley’
The City of Vancouver says its vision for the future of the Arbutus Greenway, the nine-kilometre green space that stretches from False Creek to the Fraser River, includes eight distinct “character zones” that provide diverse experiences.
Since buying the 42-acre corridor from the CPR for $55 million in 2016, the city’s Arbutus Greenway project team has been in consultation with the public to determine the best use of the space.
The eight proposed greenway zones were designed through 5,000 participant interactions at 25 different events.
The city says each character zone reflects distinct neighbourhood characteristics and features public-realm amenities such as plazas, exercise equipment, long tables and a lookout tower.
The city is looking for more feedback on its plan through an online survey and during three separate open houses (April 21, noon-3 p.m.; April 25, 3:30-6 p.m.; April 28, noon-3 p.m.) at City Lab (511 West Broadway).
ARBUTUS GREENWAY CHARACTER ZONES
Harvest Table, which runs from
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West 6th Avenue to Broadway, includes a small plaza at Burrard Street that celebrates the beginning of the greenway. As you continue through the Harvest Table zone, you encounter edible landscaping, community tables for dining al fresco with neighbours and a flexible space for pop-up activities. The path is flanked by community gardens, trees and parks.
Electric Alley’s feel is defined
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by large overhead frames that are enhanced by public art, overhead lighting and weather protection. Electric Alley, which runs from West Broadway to 16th Avenue, is anchored by two plaza areas: One at West Broadway, connecting with future rapid transit, and another at West 16th Avenue.
Through The Ridge, along King
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Edward Avenue, greenway users are treated to striking mountain views to the north. The distinct landscaping in this area is a defining feature with nooks to sit in and relax or socialize.
Woodland Bend, which stretches
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between West King Edward and West 37th Avenue, features a Pacific Northwest canopy of coniferous and deciduous species, layered with ferns and other native plants. Quilchena Park lies to the west of the greenway between West 29th and 33rd Avenue.
Kerrydale Pass, which runs from ■
West 37th to 49th Avenue, is centrally located in the largest retail and civic hub on the greenway. A plaza provides a vibrant place for performance, programming, entertaining and celebration.
Urban agriculture and urban
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ecology are central themes of Garden Path, which runs from West 49th to West 57th Avenue and includes the existing Victory Gardens. Design elements such as wildflowers, insect hotels and edible landscaping contribute to biodiversity.
The Marpole Meander, which
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runs from West 57th Ave to Marine Drive, includes recreation opportunities such as a bike-skills course, ping-pong tables and a giant chess board that provide places to play, while hammocks and seating areas offer a place to relax.
The Lookout, which runs from ■
Southwest Marine Drive to Milton Street, includes a two-storey lookout platform that provides a spectacular destination for gazing out to the Fraser River Delta, YVR and Orcas Island.